Preparation of cyanogen from glyoxime

Abstract

Cyanogen is prepared from glyoxime by reaction with acetic anhydride to form N,N'-diacetoxyglyoxime which is then pyrolyzed to cyanogen.

We claim: 
     
       1. A process for the preparation of cyanogen comprising reacting glyoxime with acetic anhydride at an elevated temperature to form N,N'-diacetoxyglyoxime and pyrolyzing said N,N'-diacetoxyglyoxime at an elevated temperature to produce cyanogen. 
     
     
       2. The process of claim 1 wherein the glyoxime and acetic anhydride are reacted at an elevated temperature of up to about 65° C. and the pyrolysis of N,N'-diacetoxyglyoxime is conducted at an elevated temperature of about 160° C.